Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Getting High on Beef at 500°

As the burger trend wanes if favor of offal in spandex (hot dogs, gourmet or otherwise), what's left in its wake is nothing to mourn. Philly now has a burger for everyone, even Bobby Flay fans. But if you're like me, and Bobby Flay's steely blue eyes and mascara-stained lashes make you want to cry tears of rage, you're much better off forgoing the food emperor's palace for anywhere else. Today's "anywhere else" took me to 500°, the burger joint that Burgatory calls "a champagne burger on a beer budget." The verdict? Sorry to say, but this one's got PYT beat, which is huge for me considering that their Fat Boy Monster topped my 2009 list of "The Best Shit I Ate All Year." Griddled enough to help you get over the moral dilemma of being a meat eater (if that's an issue for you), their medium rare still drips with blood-tinged juices to remind you that you're at the top of the food chain. The patty’s cross section fades from a griddled edge to a deep red center, a color gradient that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Thanks to the cheese, the ribbon of bacon stays with the sandwich instead of prematurely jumping ship, and not only do the fresh jalapeños provide a crunchy contrast to this pillow of perfection, their spice reminds you that this world is cruel. Served with truffle fries on the side, I could eat 499 more. Buen provecho.

500° is located on 15th and Sansom Sts in Center City. I got their version of an extra value meal for $10.80. The burgers alone are closer to the 5 to 6 buck range, which is a stellar value. You can follow them on Twitter @500_Degrees.